Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person

The risk of transmission when sharing a bowl of ice with a person living with HIV?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection if I shared a bowl of ice with someone who is HIV positive.
They had their wisdom teeth removed two days ago, and I am not sure if they were still bleeding at the time we shared the ice.
I also cannot confirm if I have any cuts in my mouth, but I might have had slight bleeding while brushing my teeth.
Thank you.

Olivia, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/15

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

According to the disease control tree data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1.
Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection.
2.
Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into contact with blood or blood products contaminated with HIV.
(2) Sharing needles, syringes, or diluents with individuals who are HIV-infected and use injectable drugs.
(3) Receiving an organ transplant from an HIV-infected donor.
3.
Vertical transmission from mother to child: Infants can acquire HIV from their infected mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding.
From the above, it is understood that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact.

Reply Date: 2023/11/15

More Info

When it comes to the risk of HIV transmission, it's important to understand the primary modes of transmission and the specific circumstances that could lead to infection. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is primarily transmitted through three main routes: sexual contact, exposure to infected blood, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
In the scenario you described, sharing a bowl of ice cream with someone who is HIV positive does not pose a significant risk of transmission. This is because HIV is not transmitted through saliva in a way that would lead to infection. While it is true that HIV can be present in saliva, the concentration is much lower compared to blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. The virus is not transmitted through casual contact or sharing food, as long as there are no open wounds or significant blood exchange.

Regarding your specific concerns about the potential for transmission if the HIV-positive person had recently undergone a dental procedure (like wisdom tooth extraction) and might have been bleeding, the risk remains very low. Even if there was some bleeding, the likelihood of HIV transmission through shared food is negligible. The virus does not survive well outside the human body, and it cannot be transmitted through food or drink in this manner.

Additionally, if you have minor cuts or abrasions in your mouth (such as from brushing your teeth), the risk of transmission still remains extremely low. For HIV to be transmitted, there would typically need to be direct access to the bloodstream, which is unlikely in the context of sharing ice cream.
If you are still concerned about your risk of HIV infection, it may be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and, if necessary, recommend testing. However, based on the information provided, there is no need for alarm regarding the situation you described.

In summary, sharing ice cream with someone who is HIV positive, even under the conditions you mentioned, does not pose a significant risk for HIV transmission. The virus requires specific conditions to be transmitted, and casual contact, such as sharing food, does not meet those criteria. If you have further concerns or experience symptoms that worry you, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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